If you are impressed by the benefits of bell pepper and wonder if you can share them with your dog or not. The instant answer is YES because bell peppers have a bunch of nutritional value for both humans and dogs. But you need some precautions when feeding a dog with bell peppers. Otherwise, they may lead your dog to serious health issues.
So, let’s understand the benefits and drawbacks of eating bell peppers.
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Health Benefits of Bell Peppers for Dogs
Surprisingly, bell peppers are very healthy for dogs. They are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, and have a vast amount of antioxidants.
But a question may arise in your mind whether dogs can eat all types of bell peppers such as red, green, orange, yellow, purple, etc or not.
Well, all types or colors of bell peppers contain the basic vitamins and nutrients that are much beneficial for your dog’s health. But the red bell pepper has the highest amount of multivitamins and nutrients among other colors and it is an ideal food for your dog’s immune system.
Moreover, the red bell pepper has 9 times more Beta carotene than other colors. Beta carotene is a red pigment found in many fruits and is beneficial for your dog’s coat, eyes, and skin. It is converted to vitamin A in the dog’s body. Also, remember one thing, not all types of peppers are the same as jalapenos are totally different and very spicy, and their effect on dogs are totally different. To know more about it, read can dogs eat jalapenos?
Thus, if you are looking for a natural way to improve your dog’s health then red bell pepper is one of the easy and safe options.
Related: Human Foods for Dogs
Does the quantity of Bell pepper matter?
Everything in excess is harmful and so are bell peppers. So, the quantity matters a lot when feeding your dog anything, as well as, a bell pepper. While introducing your dog to bell pepper, you should add a small amount of it to your dog’s diet and see their response. Your dog may like or dislike it and you shouldn’t bother your dog to eat anything if he doesn’t like it.
For large dogs, the recommended quantity is no more than a one-half bell pepper. while for small dogs one quarter at a time is enough. You must remove the seeds as well as stems to prevent indigestion.
What will happen if they consume an excessive portion of Bell Pepper?
Anything which has a lot of benefits, but gives in an excessive portion will convert the benefit into a detriment. However, specifically talking about bell peppers, their excessive consumption may result in the following health issues in your dog.
- Upset Stomach/Stomach Pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
So, try to avoid these mistakes if not then your dog may suffer from these issues.
Related: 7 Common Puppy Health Issues
How to serve Bell Pepper to your Dog?
If you feel your dog has difficulty chewing bell pepper, then steam it before serving. It will soften the outer skin of the bell pepper and your dog would easily chew it. Never add seasoning or salt during the steaming or serving.
Precaution: You should not mix bell pepper with any toxic food i.e. onion or garlic, because these supplements are harmful to your dog.
Conclusion
Your dog You should give a small amount of Bell pepper to your dog. Never mix the spice pepper, it contains capsaicin which is very harmful to your dog’s health.
Bell peppers are a very healthy treat for dogs but always ask your vet for the quantity before adding human food to your dog’s diet.
Recommended read – How to Improve Dog Gut Health?